If you moved to Dallas from up north, you might think winter pipe protection is something you left behind. But Dallas winters are deceptively dangerous for plumbing. While our winters are mild on average, we regularly see 10-15 days per year when temperatures drop below 32°F — and our homes aren't built with the pipe insulation that Northern homes have. That combination bursts a lot of pipes every January and February.
Why Dallas Pipes Are More Vulnerable Than You Think
Homes in Dallas were built assuming mild winters. Supply pipes often run through exterior walls with minimal insulation, through unheated garages, in attic spaces, and in crawl spaces — all vulnerable spots that Northern homes specifically protect. When a rare hard freeze hits (like the February 2021 winter storm that caused billions in property damage across Texas), unprepared pipes burst in huge numbers.
A burst pipe can release 250 gallons of water per hour. In the time it takes to get a plumber to your house, you can have tens of thousands of dollars in water damage. Prevention is dramatically cheaper.
5 Steps to Protect Your Dallas Home's Pipes
1. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Foam pipe insulation sleeves are available at any hardware store for $1-3 per 6-foot section. Focus on pipes in unheated spaces: the garage, attic, crawl space, and any pipes on exterior walls. Pay special attention to the pipes under kitchen and bathroom sinks on exterior walls — those cabinets can get very cold when outdoor temperatures drop.
2. Let Faucets Drip During Freezes
When overnight temperatures are forecast below 28°F, let a thin trickle of water run from faucets connected to pipes that run through vulnerable areas. Moving water is much harder to freeze than standing water. You don't need a strong flow — a pencil-thin stream is enough. Yes, you'll use some water, but it's far cheaper than a burst pipe repair.
3. Keep Your Garage Door Closed
Many Dallas homes have water supply lines running through the garage. During a freeze, leaving the garage door open (even for short periods) dramatically drops the temperature around these pipes. Make a habit of keeping the garage door closed when temps are near or below freezing.
4. Know Where Your Main Shut-Off Valve Is
Before a freeze hits is not the time to discover you don't know where your main water shut-off is. Find it now. In most Dallas homes, it's located near the water meter (usually in the front yard by the curb) or where the main line enters the house. In an emergency, you need to turn this off within minutes to limit flood damage.
5. Protect Outdoor Faucets with Faucet Covers
Outdoor hose bibs (garden faucets) are the most common freeze casualty in Dallas homes. Install insulated faucet covers — they're $3-5 each and install in seconds. Also disconnect any garden hoses before freezes, as water trapped in a connected hose can backflow and freeze the pipe inside the wall.
If Your Pipes Freeze: What To Do
If you turn on a faucet and get little or no water during a cold spell, you likely have a frozen pipe. Don't panic — frozen pipes aren't always burst pipes. Turn off the main water valve immediately (just in case), then apply gentle heat to the pipe with a hair dryer or heating pad starting from the faucet end. Never use an open flame.
If you can't locate or access the frozen section, or if you see evidence of a burst (water pouring out when you restore pressure), call us immediately. Time matters — every minute of water flow causes more damage.
Worried about your pipes this winter? Thompson Plumbing Dallas offers winterization inspections throughout Dallas-Fort Worth. We'll identify your vulnerable pipes and insulate them before the freeze hits. Call (214) 555-0187 to schedule.
Call (214) 555-0187
